Trees 2020

What is Trees 2020?

Trees 2020 is an initiative with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for 40,000 new trees across Providence's 25 neighborhoods over the next 12 years. By planting 40,000 trees, Providence can increase its tree cover to 30%. Trees, one of our most important assets, boost air and water quality, moderate temperatures, and improve public health.

Groundwork Providence and the City of Providence need help from people like you to plant 40,000 trees - homeowners, community groups, businesses, institutions, and developers. Trees 2020 will make low-cost trees available for purchase to encourage you to join the effort and plant a tree. We'll also help you hire a certified arborist to help you maintain the trees you already have.

The primary function of Trees 2020 is to promote tree planting and tree care on private property. However, street tree planting is handled through the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program, a separate program for Providence residents who wish to obtain curbside trees for their street at no cost to their neighborhood. Since 1989, the PNPP has planted over 7,000 street trees with the assistance of neighborhood volunteers each spring and fall. PNPP is a partnership between the Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Street Tree Endowment and the City of Providence. Visit the PNPP website for more details and an application.

Why Plant 40, 000 Trees? Green is good.

Trees help clean our air, and reduce the pollutants that trigger childhood asthma. They cool our streets, sidewalks, and homes on hot summer days. Trees increase property value, and encourage neighborhood revitalization. Trees save energy, cutting heat and air conditioning costs. And, they are a beautiful part of the unique and varied landscape of Providence's neighborhoods.